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How to Mop With Vinegar

By Lisa Russell Updated February 21, 2017

Forget about all those expensive cleaning products. Not only can their fumes be toxic, but they can damage your wood or laminate floors. Laminate-floor manufacturers recommend using hot water only, but if you've got hard water running through your pipes, mineral buildup can create streaks from hard-water spots.

White vinegar won't damage your mop.

Vinegar cleaning is the answer

Things You Will Need

+
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • Mop
  • 1 qt. of water
  • Mop bucket

Tip

White vinegar doesn't smell pretty, but it isn't toxic either. If you have an aversion to strong smells, be sure to keep a window open so that the vinegar odor doesn't make you nauseous.

Warning

Cleaning with vinegar can make your floors slippery. Do not walk on the floor until it is dry.

  1. Sweep your floor thoroughly before mopping. Mopping a floor with crumbs still on it can cause the starches in the crumbs to turn to gluten (glue) and create spots that are very difficult to clean. Before mopping with white vinegar, consider using a vacuum (especially in the corners) if you have one that works well on hard floors.

  2. Mix together 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 qt. of water in your mop bucket. Use fresh water to dampen your mop and wring it out before dipping in the vinegar solution.

    3. Vinegar cleaning is recommended for laminate floors.

  3. Begin mopping the floor in small sections. As the mop gets dirty, do not rinse it in the mop bucket. The water will just get dirtier and dirtier each time. Carry the mop into the bathroom and rinse it in the tub.

  4. Allow the floor to air dry. With vinegar cleaning, there's no reason to rinse the floor. When it's dry, it should be streak-free and beautiful, with no residual vinegar odor.

The Drip Cap

  • Forget about all those expensive cleaning products.
  • Mopping a floor with crumbs still on it can cause the starches in the crumbs to turn to gluten (glue) and create spots that are very difficult to clean.
  • Mix together 1/4 cup of white vinegar and 1 qt.
  • Use fresh water to dampen your mop and wring it out before dipping in the vinegar solution.

Writer Bio

Lisa Russell has been a writer since 1998. She's been published in Rethinking Everything Magazine, Playdate, AERO and Home Educator's Family Times. She has a Bachelor of Science in business marketing management and a professional background in marketing, education, cosmetology and hospitality.

Photo Credits

  • sideshowmom and ardelfin at morguefile.com
  • sideshowmom and ardelfin at morguefile.com

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